Recurrent Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 20th week and is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Two or more consecutive pregnancy losses is termed as recurrent miscarriage.

Causes

Pregnancy losses may be caused by the following:

Genetic abnormality

Abnormalities in egg, sperm or early embryo

Abnormalities in the uterus or womb, such as fibroids (lumps)

Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS): production of antibodies by the immune system that attack fat cells in blood, leading to clot formation

Treatment for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss is based on the cause of the miscarriage. If you have a genetic cause, you will be recommended genetic counseling, where you are counseled about the genetic abnormality and the possibility of having a normal pregnancy in the future. Prenatal genetic studies may be performed during pregnancy to check the genetic makeup of the offspring. In cases of uterine abnormality, you may be recommended for surgery. Medications may be prescribed to treat miscarriages related to APS, diabetes, thyroid or hormonal problems.